Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies - Sala Apolo, Barcelona, 29/11/2023 and La Paqui, Madrid, 30/11/2023

  by Philamonjaro

published: 8 / 3 / 2024

From the opening chords onwards, Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies rally their audience with their original southern boogie blues sound. Early on compared to Lynyrd Skynyrd or The Allman Brothers, they brought newness to that guitar-laden southern sound the way that Seattle grunge brought fresh energy to hard rock. They music has a high octane fuel but other influences creep in making for their own sonic white lightning recipe. This quintet, who originated in Nashville back in the early 1990s, signed to Atlantic Records and rapidly gained wide audience exposure. Including touring with H.O.R.D.E. Festival. Their self -titled debut hit the Billboard charts and the band became part of a new music flashpoint. Throughout the remainder of the 1990s, they netted several charting singles: ‘Shakin' the Blues’, ‘Ride the Tide’, ‘Hello from Venus’, ‘Magnolia’ and ‘Boogie King’. They have largely since as a band been inactive. while singer Mike Ferris went onto a notable successful solo career. Fast forward tp 2023, and the band embarked on their two year-spanning ‘Long Goodbye Tour’ performing their hits and favourtes. Terry Thomas (drums), Rick White (guitar), Bob Watkins (guitar) and Steve Burgess (bass) play with a sixth sense. But on stage, Mike Ferris was the charismatic centre of the show. In addition to lead vocals, he played and whipped his guitar at the crescendos, played harmonica and constantly worked the crowd. Leaning into the audience he was clapping, cheering, grasping hands and lead the chorus. All causing a unison between the stage and the house. A pulsation. Farris is a natural frontman. His voice has range and originality that not only endures two-hour shows,but stays bright and on pitch. His energy and presence hints towards Presley meets Grohl and Vedder. But is it unfair to draw comparisons as he is one of a kind and has his own originality. Be it the end of the road, for those uninitiated, it is worth online searches to give them a good long listen. Photos by Philamonjaro www.philamonjaro.com

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